The WSLD is calling on the State Government to investigate a public-private funding model to speed up its delivery and minimise the burden on taxpayers.
Dialogue Chairman, Christopher Brown AM, said there was no shortage of private-sector infrastructure groups keen to be involved with the Sydney Metro West project.
The project will significantly reduce congestion on the current Western Line, and act as Sydney’s ‘economic spine’ linking the city’s two CBDs, he said.
“This is a transformative project that will connect two of Australia’s major commercial zones, while also fast-tracking jobs growth, urban renewal and investment opportunities along the corridor, particularly in areas such as Olympic Park,” Mr Brown said.
A key feature of new, proposed infrastructure projects, centres around ‘value-sharing’, whereby developers and property owners pay levies to the government to compensate taxpayers for the cost of new infrastructure.
Mr Brown cited the Parramatta Light Rail project as an example of landowners along the route and government working together to produce positive financial, urban renewal and transport outcomes.
“The Parramatta Light Rail, Metro West and a North-South Rail link from Rouse Hill to Campbelltown, are the three priority projects for Western Sydney, and all of them are vital to employment generation, liveability and to reduce congestion in the region,” he said.